July Snapshots

By Lexi Wangler

On March 25 and 26, chef Susan Spicer hosted the second annual “Downton Abbey Dinner Series,” following 2013s inaugural event. Guests in costume enjoyed a champagne reception with hors d’oeuvres preceding a grand English dinner in the old style in Bayona’s elegant courtyard. The following five-course meal featured English favorites and delectable wine pairings.

A five-mile race with 12 challenges along Magazine Street, each “Son of a Saint Amazing Challenge” team was made up of a competitor and a mentor. Son of a Saint, a locally founded organization, hopes to enhance the lives of fatherless boys with a program that focuses on education, group mentorship, recreational access and behavioral health. Pictured above are enrolled members with Saints Offensive Lineman Ben Grubbs at the “Finish Line Party.”

On March 26, United Way of Southeastern Louisiana announced the incredibly generous gift of Bob Merrick to United Way, in the form of $1 million. Merrick, pictured above with Flo Schornstein, UWSELA Tocqueville Chair, is a longtime supporter of United Way, though usually he prefers to be more anonymous. However, by making the donation so publicly – having made the announcement at Galatoire’s– Merrick hopes to encourage other wealthy New Orleanians to give.

Leah Brown of event sponsor Chevron with Jay and Christian Rhodes, CEO of FirstLine Schools and member of FirstLine Schools Board, respectively. This year’s An Edible Evening raised over $100,000 for Edible Schoolyard New Orleans and was held in Samuel L. Green Charter School’s own edible garden.

Sheila Burns, Jack Laborde and Pat and Dene Denechaud were among the guests at the Daughters of Charity Foundation of New Orleans’ third annual “Keeping Our Promises” gala on Friday, March 28, at the Hyatt Regency, benefiting the mission of the Daughters of Charity Foundation.

Philip Rebowe, Tom Meyer, Byron LeBlanc, Johnny Domiano and Jerry Bologna pose above at the “2014 Jefferson Chamber Annual Gala” on Friday, March 21. Held at the New Orleans Saints indoor training facility, this year’s gala boasted over 700 guests and took the opportunity to honor local movers and shakers for their contributions to the Jefferson Chamber and community.

This year’s “Keeping Our Promises” Gala also celebrated the 180-year anniversary of the Daughters of Charity Foundation providing health services to the New Orleans Community, as well as the Inspired Cross Awards Presentation to individuals and organizations who work tirelessly to ensure healthy communities. Pierre and Margaret Villere, Adair Vulevich, Julie Cormada and Paul Pursley Jr. are pictured above.

Michael and Julie Willoz, Patricia Besselman Main and Ryan Main are pictured above at the “Annual Jefferson Chamber Gala,” featuring an open bar, edibles by Pigeon Catering and a large silent auction with more than 90 items. Preceded by a VIP-only reception, the evening benefitted the Jefferson Chamber, a nonprofit organization known for its advocacy for small and large businesses at the local, state and federal levels.

Deacon John and the Ivories provided live musical entertainment at this year’s event, while the Inspired Cross Awards were presented to Dr. Karen DeSalvo, Senator David Heitmeier, Dr. Reed Tuckson and Sisters Servants of Mary: Ministers to the Sick. Bob Angelico, Dr. Regina Benjamin, Susan and Pierre Villere pose above.

Pictured above are Erin Alexander Bolles and Amanda Lo, co-chairs of “An Edible Evening 2014,” Edible Schoolyard New Orleans’ annual fundraiser to make their programs possible at charter schools citywide. Over 900 guests enjoyed this year’s event on Thursday, March 21, which also included a late-wave party beginning at 9 featuring DJ Brian Boyles.

The second annual “Son of a Saint Amazing Challenge” took place on March 29, garnering more than 400 participants and breaking records of the previous year. Sonny Lee, founder of Son of a Saint is pictured above with first-place winner David Edwards and mentor Mark Berger.